Getting a License

As outlined in the Oakland Municipal Code, the City of Oakland requires that bicycles be registered every three years. Oakland residents can register their bicycles at an Oakland Fire Station. The fire department will provide a license and bicycle sticker/tag to track and return recovered bicycles. Bring your bicycle to any city fire station, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, any day of the week. To find a conveniently located Fire Station, please check the phone book or call (510) 238-3856. Tip: phone the station before bringing your bike.

Other ways to improve the chance your bike is recovered and returned are:

• write down down and keep your bicycle's serial number. The serial number is the single most important piece of information to provide to law enforcement, and can help identify your bicycle even if it is transported to another city.
• etch your driver's license number (if you have one) into your frame. This can also help police link your bicycle back to you.

Reporting Stolen Bicycles

If your bike is stolen, please call the Oakland Police Department's non-emergency number, (510) 777-3333, and report your bike's serial number, description (make, model, color, other defining characteristics), and describe the place and time the bicycle was stolen.

If your bicycle was stolen and recovered by the Oakland Police Department, and if you file a report that includes your serial number, the likelihood that your bicycle will be returned to you is high.